After a terrifying accident, police officers who rescued a boy from a frozen pond came back with a football in hand for him just days later. He’s grateful for the gift, but his momma is thankful to have her son alive and well!

Watch as officers respond to the call about a possible drowning in the Chicago suburb of Aurora, Illinois. 

A 9-year-old boy had tried to collect his football after it landed in a frozen section of a nearby pond. After the ice broke and the boy fell into the frigid waters, a woman went in to try to save the child. Thankfully, officers arrived in time to save both the boy and the woman.

The body camera footage shows officers running to the scene. They have equipment for a water rescue, and as they approach the pond, a few remove bullet-proof vests and other items as they prepare to enter the water. What a frightening situation that must be—knowing that minutes matter in these situations!

The video shows first responders on the bank working with ropes to pull the injured out and others in the water assisting with the rescue. We hear the officers urgently calling out instructions to one another during the process and working as quickly as they can.

The boy and two officers who had entered the water sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, but all were later released. 

Accidents like this one happen each year. One such occurrence and the miraculous healing of a teen boy in St. Charles, MO, a suburb of St. Louis, was the subject of the 2019 blockbuster movie Breakthrough. John Smith was under frosty lake waters after falling through ice for 15 minutes! 

We are abundantly blessed by first responders—police officers, EMTs, and firefighters! 

The Aurora, IL officers didn’t just save the young football fan; they also replaced the football he lost that day. They presented him with a new one on Thanksgiving!    

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” Psalms 91:14